Terror Threat Uncovered: Plot to Target Lionel Messi with Explosives at FIFA World Cup 2026

A recently leaked police dossier has brought to light alarming security threats directed at Argentine football icon Lionel Messi during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The documents, obtained by the Spanish publication Informacion.es, detail various threats, including bomb threats, stalking incidents, and online harassment aimed at players, referees, and officials throughout the tournament. Messi, along with the Argentina national team, was prominently featured in these reports, which were managed by a collaborative security effort involving the FBI and the International Police Cooperation (IPCC).

Among the most disturbing revelations in the dossier is an alleged plot targeting Messi specifically. The report indicates that an individual made a public declaration of intent to execute a suicide bombing at the Atlanta Stadium, stating on social media platform X, "I'm going to walk into the Atlanta stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body." This threat was taken with utmost seriousness by law enforcement agencies, highlighting the potential risks faced by high-profile athletes during major sporting events.

In addition to the threat against Messi, authorities investigated another serious incident involving a phone call to Dallas airport. The caller claimed to be en route to the stadium with homemade explosives and an AR-15, explicitly stating that both police officers and football players, including Messi, were intended targets. This incident further underscores the heightened security concerns surrounding the tournament.

Messi was not the only prominent figure facing security threats during the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo also experienced significant security issues, as reported in the dossier. A FIFA employee alerted authorities on June 14 after observing a suspicious individual attempting to gather information about the Portuguese star's accommodations. Similar threats were reported in various cities, including Toronto, Houston, and Miami, indicating a broader pattern of security concerns affecting multiple players.

Moreover, French referee Francois Letexier was not spared from the turmoil, reportedly receiving around 6,000 threatening messages via WhatsApp during the competition. These incidents reflect the intense scrutiny and potential dangers that accompany high-stakes international sporting events, necessitating robust security measures to protect all involved.